Pib

Pib

1. “Government working with Commitment to inclusive growth”: Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi

Addressing the “Vikas Samanvay Baithak” (development coordination conference) of 9 states and UTs, organised at “Tilak Hall”, Secretariat, Lucknow today, the Minister said that the Government has been working with commitment to “Empowerment without Appeasement” and “Development with Dignity” of all sections of the society and with the states. He added that most of the states have been working well regarding implementation of schemes meant for minorities. Other states should also follow the same. He added that the Ministry of Minority Affairs is working with commitment to welfare of Minorities through "3E - Education, Employment, Empowerment".

Outlining the achievements of the Ministry, Shri Naqvi said that 27 Gurukul-type residential schools have been constructed across the country. “During the last about 3 years, under the Multi Sectoral Development Programme, in the minority dominated areas, 10649 drinking water facilities, 32, 000 additional class rooms, 1, 817 school buildings, 15 degree colleges, 169 ITIs, 48 polytechnics, 248 multi-purpose community hall “Sadbhav Mandap”, 1064 hostels, 27 Gurukul type residential schools have been constructed for educational empowerment”, he said.

The Minister also said that "Gharib Nawaz Skill Development Centres" have been established in 100 districts across the country where various courses related to job-oriented skill development are being provided. Courses like “GST Facilitator” and “Sanitary Supervisor” are providing employment and employment opportunities to Minority youths in a large number. He added that schemes of the Minority Affairs Ministry such as "Hunar Haat", "Seekho aur Kamao”, "Nai Manzil”, "Gharib Nawaz Skill Development Scheme”, "Nai Roshni” have proved to be an important step towards the skill development of minorities. “In last about 3 years, these schemes have succeeded in providing employment and employment opportunities to more than 8.5 lakh people from minority communities”, he pointed out.

2. Successful Fifth Flight Test of Agni-5 Ballistic Missile

Long Range Surface-to-Surface Ballistic Missile, Agni-5, was successfully flight tested for its full range today at 0953 hrs from Dr Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha. This was the fifth test of the Missile and the third consecutive one from a canister on a road mobile launcher. All the five missions have been successful.

The flight performance of the missile was tracked and monitored by radars, range stations and tracking systems all through the mission. All objectives of the mission have been successfully met. This successful test of Agni-5 reaffirms the country’s indigenous missile capabilities and further strengthens our credible deterrence.

3. Helping the poor is real patriotism: Shri M Venkaiah Naidu Kattabomman exemplifies the qualities of courage and conviction: VPI

The Vice President of India Shri M Venkaiah Naidu has said that Untouchability is the real enemy of humanity and helping the poor is real patriotism. He addressed the All India Telugu Association event in Chennai today commemorating 258th birth anniversary of Veerapandiya Kattabomman & 250th Jayanti of Sadhguru Thyāgarāja. Tamil Nadu Governor Shri Banwarilal Purohit, Shri P. Balakrishna Reddy, Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development of Tamil Nadu and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The Vice President said that Veerapandiya Kattabomman, one of the earliest freedom fighters, had courageously fought against the British in the 18th century. His saga of valiant resistance and indomitable courage continues to inspire all of us even today. Kattabomman exemplifies the qualities of courage and conviction, he said.

The Vice President said that India’s great saint-composer, Thyāgarāja, a pioneer of Carnatic music, has provided inspiration to thousands of musicians over the last century. He embodies the ennobling and enthralling range of Indian music. Music, literature and poetry give solace, he said.

4. “Find scientific solution for development of backward districts”: Dr Harsh Vardhan

Dr Vardhan pointed out that NGRI’s (Hyderabad-based National Geophysical Research Institute under CSIR) expertise in Heliborne surveys to map mineral and ground water could be utilised to explore natural resources in these districts. NGRI provided technical assistance for Heliborne Survey to the Central Ground Water Board first time in 2013, to carry out aquifer mapping, or mapping the water pools beneath ground in Rajasthan. He appreciated the efforts of NGRI for aligning its research with initiatives of the government.

“There should be synergy among scientific institutions to develop newer technologies to deliver a new India envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi”, Dr. Harsh Vardhan stated. “We have the demographic advantage now, and we should exploit it,” the Minister noted.

Earlier this month, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, had convened a meeting of district magistrates of 115 backward districts for their fast-track development. The meeting decided upon six development indicators – health, education, basic infrastructure, agriculture and water resources, financial inclusion and skill development.